Re:Android (Score 3, Insightful)

Fortunately there is always the option to vote with your wallet and not use verizon service. There are two national GSM carriers and tons of regionals. You almost always have the option of picking a carrier who uses a truly open network (GSM). For information on GSM carriers see GSM World. I have long been using unbranded/locked devices on ATT's network and the experience is far and above that you could get with any of the crappy proprietary devices. And when I travel abroad, I can easily grab a prepaid sim from the country I'm in, pop it into the phone I already have and be good to go.

I think it's pretty slimy that verizon does things like disable USB on devices in order to force users to transfer their pictures over their pay-per-transfer type service. Don't let them get you with lockin. Bring your own device (byod) and pick the national or regional carrier that suites your usage pattern best.